Recently, I have come to notice a change in film that is supposed to be great and evolutionary, but instead is quite complicated and plagued with many issues. As I continue to visit the movies, I can't help but realize how the lead role or roles in film have changed over the years. Finally, in the past six years, women are starting to dominate the industry that has been controlled by men for so long.
For example, in the last month or so, the new Ghostbusters was lead by four females (Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Kristen Wiig), giving out a message that they can do the same thing as the four men who starred in the original film thirty plus years ago. Also, some of the best performances honored last year at the Oscars were done by females. The stand out performances from last year included, Saoirse Ronan in Brooklyn, Brie Larson in Room, Cate Blanchett in Carol, and Alicia Vikander in Ex Machina and The Danish Girl.
Saoirse Ronan in Brooklyn
So, the big question is, why are women getting paid less in film when they are absolutely dominating the men right now? Film obviously is not the only place where this is happening, but come on people, we live in the year of 2016. When are we going to learn that everyone is equal in society? More and more movies are being used to show a female hero, or just a female lead in general.
Jennifer Lawrence, who played the lead role of Katniss in the Hunger Games, which is one of the biggest trilogies of all time, was one of the first women to step up and say something about it. Sadly, her words and plea for equal pay have not really surfaced quite yet. Though we are seeing improvements, women are still only getting paid half of what men are making in the film industry.
Jennifer Lawerence as Katniss Everdeen
Two of these unequal pay statistics really jump out at me the most. First off, for every 71 cents that men make in film, women shockingly make 59 cents. Also, the 10 highest paid actors in the film business make a combined $418 million, while the 10 highest paid women make only $218 million combined. Jennifer Lawrence leads that top ten list. This gap is ridiculously large, and pretty shameful in my opinion.
I feel as if we are not taking this issue too seriously in our society, especially since film is not the only place where there is a humongous wage gap. I know it is difficult to shine a light on this grievance considering the many other issues that plague the community, but this change needs to be a must. I'm not saying that men do not deserve what they get paid for, but women are doing exactly the same thing when it comes to acting, if not better at some points.
Brie Larson in one of the biggest performances of 2015
At the end of the day, I just want equality for everybody. It is sad to think that in the year of 2016, the biggest actresses in film are getting paid half as much as men even though they put their blood, sweat, and tears out on the set. Don't get me wrong, I support and appreciate everything that Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Johnny Depp do for film, but hopefully we see change.
So remember, as women like Alicia Vikander and Jennifer Lawrence continue to excel and inspire younger actors and actresses everywhere much like men, they still do deserve more today in our society.
